LANSING, Mich. — Michigan has agreed to integrate "Common Core State Standards" into its public education system, part of a national effort to have every state adopt the same academic standards in English and math, according to press releases from involved organizations.
The State Board of Education unanimously adopted the standards at its June meeting, calling them an "instructional blueprint" for K-12 schools based on what is taught in top-performing states and countries globally, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Education.
All states are being invited to adopt the "Common Core." By 2014, Michigan students will be tested on the content found in the new standards.
Michigan upgraded its own standards for elementary education in 2004 and for certain high school curricula in 2006. The new national standards align well with those, meaning the state will see minimal changes, according to the release.
Michigan State University Professor William Schmidt, who helped develop the national math standards, said he believes they will help reform U.S. education, according to an MSU press release.
SOURCE:
Michigan Department of Education, "State Board of Education Unanimously Adopts Common Core Standards," June 15, 2010
Michigan State University, "MSU professor applauds release of national education standards," June 2, 2010
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "A Recipe for Failing Schools," Aug. 27, 2009
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